An important part of what they do at The Solace Tree is "helping kids create memories so there isn't unresolved grief."
In 2002, Emilio Parga discovered that he had cancer. At the time, he was also assisting students who had lost parents to suicide, accidental death and cancer. In his attempt to provide these children with emotional support, he realized that many kids and teenagers in Northern Nevada had lost a parent, sibling or caregiver throughout the year, and that there were no grief support programs for them. That’s when Emilio created the Solace Tree in 2004.
The mission ofThe Solace Tree is that all children, teens and their family members have the freedom to express their feelings associated with death in a safe and loving environment. The peer support programs and educational opportunities at the Solace Tree help children, teens and their family members to freely express their feelings associated with death in a safe and loving environment. The programs also help them learn to cope and adjust to the changes in their lives.
In the video below are some highlights from Emilio Parga's presentation at "I'm Here With You: Understanding Children & Grief," a special community forum addressing myths, fears, and questions related to children's grief. You can watch Emilio's entire presentation here.
You can purchase Emilio's books and journals at The Solace Tree Boookstore.
Do you have questions about children and grief? Please leave a comment below and we'll find the answers for you.
The Solace Tree
P.O. Box 2944
Reno, Nevada 89505
Phone: (775) 324-7723
Email:
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Related links:
- Watch a presentation by Leslie Delp, M.A. (founder and bereavement specialist at Olivia’s House in York, PA)
- Children and grief forum: Panel of experts answer questions
- Learn more about children and grief
- Tell your cancer story, or remember someone special who has passed away from cancer at the Facing Cancer Together Digital Quilt